Political Reporter
A rift is deepening within the camp of Nelson Chamisa, marked by accusations and internal discord that threatens the cohesion of the group.
Central to this unfolding drama are Morgan Ncube, the Beitbridge West legislator, and Deputy Mayor John Manatsa, with tensions escalating over allegations of treachery.
A source informed this publication that at a recent gathering, Ncube vocally accused Manatsa of being disloyal to the opposition's cause, branding him a "sellout" and questioning his allegiance.
The source said that the root of Ncube's discontent lies in Manatsa's decision to involve the police following an assault on him by seven opposition members, a move Ncube argues should have been handled internally.
"Ncube didn't mince his words when he spoke about Manatsa. He called him a traitor, accusing him of undermining the opposition by involving law enforcement instead of allowing the issue to be resolved within the party. It's clear Ncube sees Manatsa's actions as a direct affront to the solidarity and principles of our movement and a betrayal of Chamisa's leadership," the source shared.
The allegations against Manatsa have stirred significant debate within the Chamisa camp, with Ncube asserting that Manatsa's failure to be recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu was evidence of his dubious loyalty.
“This has led Ncube to advise members within the Beitbridge West to reject any instructions from Manatsa, questioning his capacity to lead with integrity under Chamisa's banner,” said the source.
Ironically, Ncube was also not recalled by Tshabangu, although he is accusing Manatsa of being a Tshabangu blue-eyed boy.
Terrence Chipwanya, a political analyst, weighed in on the situation, highlighting the broader implications for the opposition in Beitbridge.
"This confrontation exposes the profound challenges facing the opposition, where unity and allegiance are constantly tested. The situation with Ncube and Manatsa is a vivid illustration of how personal ambitions can destabilise collective effort and the pursuit of common goals," Chipwanya observed.
Amid these turbulent developments, another informant hinted at Manatsa's readiness to sever ties with Chamisa's leadership, potentially aligning with other progressive figures within the opposition, such as Job Sikhala.
As the saga continues to unfold, the focus remains on the potential repercussions for Chamisa's camp and the broader opposition movement in Zimbabwe, highlighting the complex interplay of loyalty, leadership, and political strategy in the quest for unity and progress.
